Que lures adventure seekers

August 18, 2004

(Editor's note: This is the fifth in a seven-part series exploring the Quemahoning Reservoir, from days when steel production was king to now, a time when the future of the area is being shaped, both through recreation and the value of this resource.)

By JENNIFER THOMASDaily American Staff Writer

Ben Faas' first trip down the Stonycreek River could only be described as discouraging.

"I thought the Stonycreek would be a nice little river. We put in, got tossed and lost our boats," he said with a knowing smile.

The aforementioned boats would later be located. Faas would make it to the wedding he came to town for in the first place.

And a lifelong hobby was found.

"It's the best experience I've ever had," he said. "You can't believe you're only a couple miles from Johnstown."

It was enough to inspire Faas to move to the Johnstown area in 1999. The lure of public recreation on the Quemahoning and a whitewater release as the Cambria Somerset Authority purchased five reservoirs from Bethlehem Steel was enough.

Advertisement

"The east is really a hotbed for whitewater in particular," he said. "And all the people come with their families."

The 30-year-old kayaker will be no exception. Kaden Faas may only be 3-months-old, but his dad has high hopes kayaking will take a similar place in his life.

That enthusiasm for paddling is swelling club membership, according to Benscreek Canoe and Kayak Club President Stephen Podratsky.

Founded in 1970 the club gained new momentum as plans for a whitewater park in Conemaugh Township, ability to utilize the Quemahoning and whitewater releases developed.

But, youth and local support are the key to the future.

"It only just formed with local guys, who like to paddle on the river," he said. Today, about 150 people, many of them families fill the roster.

It also focuses on river quality and preservation efforts.

"The rivers are starting to change," he said.

That combined with future offerings are what he sees drawing outsiders to the region.

"It'll be nice to do some real nice Class II whitewater in June, July and August when there's warmer water rather than in March and April when it's freezing."

Podratsky himself wasn't introduced to the sport until 1992. The 35-year-old said his first paddle was just as disastrous as Faas' when he and a friend took a trip from the Carpenter's Park Bridge near Seanor.

"We almost drowned twice and put a fairly sizable hole in the canoe. He was late for work and got fired."

It didn't phase him.

In fact, less than a year later, Podratsky was learning to roll a kayak at the local YMCA.

"It just seemed like a lot of fun," he said.

Courses on how to roll a kayak and boating safety are still held at the YMCA in during winter months.

"That really has been the jump-start for the local paddling scene and letting it grow into what it has."

The Stonycreek Rendezvous has also helped raise awareness. Held annually in April, the three-day event continues to grow, drawing paddlers and onlookers to the area.